Latest news with #individuals
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
Muscat Municipality continues Simplifying and Digitising Services to enhance Parking Management and Regulation
Muscat: Within the framework of its continuous commitment to improve municipal services and facilitate procedures for individuals and institutions, the "Modify or Transfer a Vehicle Parking Permit" service comes as a smart digital solution, enabling beneficiaries to modify or transfer details of commercial vehicle parking permits between different vehicles, or change the booking area within the existing permit, providing the permit's validity is valid. This service reflects the electronic transformation that Muscat Municipality has implemented as part of its comprehensive strategy of automating services. Thus, it contributes to speeding up procedures, reduce reliance on paper transactions, and enhance transparency and efficiency in offering services. The service allows beneficiaries, both individuals and companies, to apply for amendment or transfer through the Municipality's E-portal without requiring visiting service centres, through uploading the required documents and inputting data via an easy-to-use digital form. The Procedures: This service requires several basic documents. They include the applicant's identity card, the required months, the vehicle ownership, the original permit to be amended, the ownership papers of the two vehicles (old and new) if transferring the permit, and specifying the new required area if changing the parking location. This aims to ensure organising the process and achieving justice in issuing commercial parking spaces according to the current activities in various regions. The Nominal Fees: The service application fee is OMR two (2) for each transferring of one parking space, which is a nominal fee added to the basic parking permit fee. The monthly fee for a parking permit in one fee zone is OMR 15, while the fee rises to OMR 20 per month if the license covers all fee zones. These fees organise parking movement and updating permits data, without creating a financial burden on the beneficiaries, especially with the service's flexibility and ease, and saving time and effort. This service is part of a range of smart services that Muscat Municipality offers electronically, inspired by its vision to achieve a sustainable urban environment that relies on innovation and enhances the beneficiaries' satisfaction. As well as, the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which promotes integrating government services and improving the quality of life of individuals through simplifying procedures and transactions. Muscat Municipality confirms its leading role in utilising technology in municipal work and achieving a major transformation in managing and operating public facilities and services. Thus, strengthening the governance principle and enhancing the efficiency of resources and services for residents and visitors to Muscat Governorate.
Forbes
4 days ago
- General
- Forbes
3 ‘Micro-Behaviors' That Make Relationships Last, By A Psychologist
Sometimes, the smallest moment can make the biggest difference. Here are three subtle ways couples ... More can grow together in relationships and stay deeply connected long-term. We often associate 'growth' with something lofty and abstract, like a vision board goal rather than a lived, daily experience. Sure, these tools can serve as reminders of our goals, but in practice, 'micro-behaviors' or small, almost forgettable actions are what slowly shift the emotional tone and expectations within a partnership. These moments may not be headline-worthy, but they are the true scaffolding of a relationship that allows both individuals to explore, expand and evolve. Here are three micro-behaviors that help a relationship evolve and thrive long-term. 1. Asking, Not Assuming Imagine checking in with your partner, saying 'What's going on with you today?' vs. 'You're being distant again.' Notice the difference? When you've been with someone for a while, it's easy to feel like you 'know' them. And while familiarity can breed comfort, it can also breed assumptions. We start to auto-fill the blanks in their behavior: 'Oh, he's stressed again.' 'She's clearly mad at me.' 'They always do this when they're annoyed.' But the truth is that assuming shuts off further discussion. Asking opens it up. When we replace judgment with genuine curiosity, we give our partner space to show up as a dynamic, changing individual. Not the version of them we hold in our head, but the version who is here, now, with us in the present. A 2017 study published in Social and Personality Psychology Compass shows that the feeling of being understood isn't always the same as 'actually' being understood. In fact, people often feel misunderstood even when others do understand them, and vice versa. This happens because our sense of being understood is shaped not just by what others say, but by our emotional history, the relational context and how safe we feel to express ourselves. By asking instead of assuming, you increase the chance that your partner actually feels understood because you're making space for their current experience, rather than projecting your version of it. This kind of curiosity signals emotional availability. It says, 'I'm here for the person you are right now, not just the version I've constructed in my head.' And that makes your relationship a safer place for vulnerability and growth. For instance, instead of just saying, 'You're being cold lately,' try, 'I've noticed some distance. How have you been feeling lately?' You can also create a ritual of using check-in questions, such as: Over time, these simple questions show your partner that there is acceptance and space for their emotions, and that you care about their inner world enough to deeply understand its complexities. 2. Pausing Before Reacting When something triggers us, perhaps an offhand comment, a missed bid for connection or a perceived slight, our nervous system jumps into action. Often, we give into this sense of urgency and impulsively speak before thinking, defend ourselves before trying to understand the other person's intentions or emotionally shut down before we've had the chance to resolve an issue. What makes all the difference? A small pause. Just taking a deep breath and saying 'Let me take a moment before I respond.' This doesn't mean suppressing your emotions, but giving yourself some time to process them before they take the wheel entirely. This pause offers the opportunity to shift from a state of autopilot to active agency. You're still feeling, but now you're choosing your response rather than being hijacked by it. A 2018 study on mindfulness, defined as present-moment awareness without judgment, highlights that this kind of intentional pausing plays a crucial role in regulating the stress response. When couples use mindfulness tools, they're more likely to respond thoughtfully than react emotionally. This is especially helpful in high-stakes relational moments, where reactivity can easily derail connection. A pause often prevents further escalation and creates space for empathy, perspective-taking and healthier behavioral choices. To start pausing before reacting, try the following: This simple pause can save you from saying something that builds an emotional wall, when what you actually wanted was a bridge. 3. Celebrating Who Your Partner Is Becoming Another powerful micro-behavior is acknowledging your partner's growth. It's saying 'I see how hard you're trying, and it means a lot.' We tend to applaud obvious milestones, but growth isn't always visible. Sometimes, it looks like your partner biting their tongue when needed, bringing up something vulnerable or trying a new behavior that feels clumsy but earnest. When we acknowledge the process rather than just the outcome, we create a culture of psychological safety in the relationship. Your partner doesn't have to be perfect to be appreciated. They just have to be trying. A litany of research shows that people are more likely to persist with new behaviors when their efforts — and not just results — are acknowledged. It also reinforces a growth mindset in the relationship of knowing that 'We're works in progress, and that's okay.' For example, research published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin shows that the way a partner supports self-improvement has a powerful impact on both one's personal growth and on relationship quality. Specifically, when support is nurturing and action-oriented (e.g., encouraging or helping without taking over), it leads to better follow-through on change and deeper connection. On the other hand, when support is critical or invalidating, it actually undermines both growth and closeness. This means that even a small moment of saying, 'I see you trying to manage your stress differently, it means a lot to me,' does more than encourage your partner. It creates a relational climate where 'becoming' is safe and supported. To create this habit, try the following: In essence, growth starts with staying curious instead of certain, pausing instead of reacting and validating effort instead of waiting for perfection. These actions make intimacy easier, safety stronger and the relationship more resilient, so you can keep 'becoming,' together. Do you and your partner share a growth mindset? Take this science-backed test to find out: Growth Mindset Scale
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
How to Build an Emergency Fund
NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / July 18, 2025 / Many people put aside cash reserves to prepare themselves for financial surprises. However, saving as much as half a year's worth of living expenses can be overwhelming, especially for anyone who's juggling bills, paying off debt, and saving for other goals. That's why it's important to remember that building an emergency fund takes time, and any progress toward the goal is valuable. This guide breaks the process into manageable steps to help people plan for unexpected expenses. Set a Realistic Target Most experts recommend setting aside three to six months of living expenses for emergencies. This amount helps cover essential costs after a job loss or pay unexpected bills, like a car repair or emergency room visit. Understandably, aiming for three months of living expenses can seem so discouraging that some people might quit before they get started. For those who need a bit more motivation, a mini-fund may be a better option. A mini-fund starts with a small goal - perhaps $500 or one month's living expenses. Money saved toward this goal goes directly into a savings account. Once the first savings target is met, the individual can continue building until the full emergency fund is in place. Choose a Savings Account An emergency fund should be kept in a safe, interest-bearing savings account that's easily accessible but not linked to everyday spending. The goal is to ensure funds are available without penalty in an emergency while minimizing the temptation to use them in non-urgent situations. A high-yield savings account (HYSA) can be a good option for an emergency fund because it typically pays more interest than a traditional savings account and doesn't usually penalize withdrawals. While HYSAs are often offered as online savings accounts, many traditional banks also provide them. Some people keep their emergency funds in a checking account, but this isn't ideal - even if the account pays interest. Checks and debit cards make it too easy to spend money earmarked for emergencies. Decide How Much to Save The amount of money that should go into an emergency fund depends on each individual's financial situation. One popular approach for getting a handle on that is the 50/30/20 method.1 This method helps individual's divide their monthly gross (after-tax income) into three categories: Saving 20% may not seem like much to dedicate to savings, but the key is consistent contributions. Small amounts - even $25 each month - can make a difference over time. Automate savings The final step is to automate savings to make progress easier and more consistent. Many banks offer ways to do this, including: Automating savings removes decision-making and minimizes the temptation to spend savings on non-emergencies. Small Steps, Lasing Impact Building an emergency fund is a journey, not a race. Each small step can bring people closer to creating a reliable safety net that ensures they're prepared for whatever financial surprises come their way. Sources 1 CONTACT: Sonakshi Murze Manager [email protected] SOURCE: iQuanti press release
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
SGCA 2025 invites institutions and changemakers to compete and shape the future of communication
Direct submissions are open to government entities, the private sector, international organisations, and individuals Individual awards celebrate impactful changemakers and outstanding personal initiatives Communication professionals and social influencers are among the key target participants Opportunities are also available for youth, communication students, and media professionals Sharjah, The Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) 2025, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), has issued a final call for submissions ahead of the July 24 deadline. Entities and individuals from the UAE and across the region are invited to participate in one of the Arab world's most prominent platforms recognising excellence in communication strategy and innovation. Submissions are accepted via the official SGCA website: Now in its 12th edition, the award continues to expand its global reach and impact, offering a wide array of categories for direct submission. This year's edition features 23 categories across five main sectors: government agencies and international organisations awards, individual awards, Best Innovators Competition in Smart Communication, jury nominations, and collaborative awards presented in partnership with global and regional institutions. Expanding the Reach of Strategic Communication The Direct Submission categories provide a platform to showcase innovative communication models that have made a tangible impact. Government bodies, private companies, and international institutions can compete in categories such as ' Best Integrated Communication System,' ' Best Innovation in Government Communication,' and ' Best Crisis Communication Strategy.' Additional categories highlight themes such as Cultural Identity, Youth Empowerment, Communication with Children and Adolescents, Corporate Social Responsibility, Soft Power, Digital Sustainability, Internal Communication, and Technology Integration. Honouring Individual Excellence The SGCA also offers a set of individual awards recognising personal impact. These include ' Best Youth Initiative in Government Communication,' ' Best Official Spokesperson,' ' Best Changemakers in Digital Content,' and ' Best Research in Communication Sciences.' The categories aim to spotlight professionals, influencers, and young talents who have demonstrated leadership in advancing communication for societal good. Targeting a broad spectrum of stakeholders, the award is open to government agencies at all levels, private companies of all sizes, NGOs, international organisations, media professionals, PR officers, communication students, and content creators. The SGCA continues to promote communication as a cornerstone of governance, trust-building, and social development. This vision has positioned Sharjah at the forefront of government communication excellence in the region and beyond.
CBS News
6 days ago
- CBS News
"Massive scheme to defraud" Minnesota's Housing Stabilization Services under investigation, search warrant shows
Federal agents are investigating a "massive scheme to defraud" Minnesota's Housing Stabilization Service program, according to court documents. A search warrant filed with the U.S. District Court for Minnesota details the fraud investigation concerning the new Minnesota Medical Assistance benefit meant to help find and maintain homes for people with disabilities — including mental illnesses and substance use disorders — as well as the elderly. When the program started in 2020, it was estimated that it would cost taxpayers about $2.5 million a year. But by 2021, it cost $21 million. Last year, it ballooned to $104 million. In the warrant, the FBI says the housing program has "proved to be extremely vulnerable to fraud," and lists eight business locations where the alleged fraud took place. They are located throughout the Twin Cities, including in St. Paul, Roseville, Blaine, Little Canada and Woodbury. "Since Minnesota became the first state to offer Medicaid coverage for Housing Stabilization Services, dozens of new companies have been created and enrolled in the program," the search warrant reads. "These companies, and the individuals that run them have taken advantage of the housing crisis and the drug addiction crisis in Minnesota to prey on individuals who need help getting on their feet as they recover from drug addiction." Federal investigators say the companies and individuals contacted Medicaid-eligible individuals in drug treatment facilities and halfway houses to offer stable housing. After they registered the individuals, these companies would "fraudulently claim" to provide dozens of program hours to the clients when the client in fact received little or no actual services, investigators said. Housing Stabilization Services is run by the state's Department of Human Services. DHS Temporary Commissioner Shireen Gandhi released the following statement on the search warrants, which the commissioner says were executed Wednesday. "The search warrants executed today at several Housing Stabilization Services providers are the result of the critical partnerships between the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), the Office of Attorney General and federal offices and is an important example of our shared commitment to work together to ensure Medicaid program integrity. The DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) regularly provides investigative data and information about Medicaid provider targets to our law enforcement partners so they can build actionable cases to hold bad actors accountable." Charges have not been announced in connection with the investigation. This is a developing story and will be updated.
